1. The Crucial Function of Germination
Poster by Amy Lewis at Texas Tech University,
abstract
Literature review
results
The purpose of this research proposal is to study various factors that affect the rate and vigor at which seeds germinate and grow. Factors such as temperate, soil moisture, and water quality play vital roles in proper scarification that results in the successful germination and sprouting of squash and okra seeds. The most crucial stage in the germination of any seed is the scarification of a seed. For most common vegetable and flower, moisture around the seed is the most effective method. Keeping the soil at a relatively saturated level and at a temperature range of F is the optimal environment for both squash and okra seeds. The combined research via academic journals and data gathered over a two week period will aide in answering the focused research question: How can scarification best be utilized for optimum seed germination?
Across various outlets of data, both academic and industrial, their research and conclusions echo the same conclusions I’ve reached my self. In addition to researching the factors of scarification, research was done about the requirements of okra and squash seeds as well as considering the water quality tests of Lubbock for the most recent, available year. All of these different sources indicate the importance of soil saturation and keeping the soil wet. A 1943 study researching the effects of moisture of soil found that since most vegetable seeds are planted at shallow depths, soil moisture around the seed fluctuates (Doneen, MacGillivray, 1943). Their study continued to discuss how different percentages of soil saturation had different effects on the percentage of seeds that successfully germinated. For example, squash seeds had higher percentages of success at higher saturation levels of the soil the seeds are in. The following table is an excerpt from the larger graphic provided in the study. There is no better an example to express the need for proper scarification than the okra seed itself. Okra seed, both wild and cultivated have developed hardheadedness. (Balla et. Al., 2011) This means that this particular trait requires a high moisture content to allow for germination. In the study conducted by Balla, Saidahmed, and Makkawi research the effects of hot water and sulfuric acid treatments as methods of scarification. Their research shows that hot water and moist soil allow for easier cracking of hardheadedness and faster germination. The research was tested on various batches of okra seeds. The main focus was wild seeds from Sudan, so from an ecological standpoint, it makes sense that the seed needs copious amounts of water before it will germinate; to ensure it’s own germination.
background
Across various outlets of data, both academic and industrial, their research and conclusions echo the same conclusions I’ve reached my self. In addition to researching the factors of scarification, research was done about the requirements of okra and squash seeds as well as considering the water quality tests of Lubbock for the most recent, available year. All of these different sources indicate the importance of soil saturation and keeping the soil wet. Various academic and industry experts voice and opinion that points to a specific conclusion: soil moisture and temperature are the most important measurements to monitor from the moment a seed is planted to the moment it emerges from the dirt. Another vital factor to consider is the quality of the water being used to moisturize the soil. Purified water is greatly preferable over water that has higher saline content because it can dry out the soil.
Methods
LEFT: This image is of okra seedlings that were started with warm water scarification to improve germination. MIDDLE: squash plants with a high moisture content soil to improve germination. RIGHT: Different between indoor and outdoor started seeds.
The research that is described in the literature review reflects the tone of the research gathered over a three-week process. Temperature gauges will be used to monitor the plant temperatures inside of the small green house via large clear plastic tubs. As mentioned, the ideal temperature for the air and soil for scarification and germination of summer vegetable seeds is around 80 0F. The soil moisture can be monitored by using a saturation scale; the potted seeds are watered twice daily, once in the morning and then again twelve hours later. The scale is then based on how dry the soil becomes in that time period. Soil that remains saturated has a higher value, while soil that becomes dryer is given a lower value. Documentation will also include some photographs of the plants at various stages and grown through different types of scarification. These photos will demonstrate the practical aspect of the research reviewed for this report.
results
Discussion
Based on the research found from academic and industrial outlets, the scientists are correct in their findings and conclusions. Seed scarification is the first and only real determining stage in plant development. With insufficient moisture content germination will abruptly, exemplified by some seeds that failed to thrive. Consistently low soil moisture will cause seed death and the seeds will quite literally turn into goo inside the cracked seed casing. Warmer temperatures can be problematic if the soil is allowed to dry out on a near daily basis. When the soil is kept saturated and warm, scarification is very simple and quick. Breaking seed dormancy is the act of scarification, so if the dormancy is invigorating and constant, germination occurs at a high rate.
The academic research was similar to the research I conducted. The main difference between the two was the research I conducted was rooted in the attempt to scarificate the seeds in the most natural way possible, so that clearly rules out sulphuric acid treatments. The support from synthetic based methods has similar finding to natural and organic methods of scarification. As the research has shown, seeds need warm water to break dormancy and allow germination. Warm water will keep the soil warm if sunlight is not possible. This can lead to fungal growth, which is why outdoor seed starting in warm weather is preferable. Natural methods are demonstrated to also be preferred by the plants themselves. The volunteer pumpkins growing out from under a potted tree seem to break the rules. Those seeds were not watered with warm water or had their soil moisture measured. So what is the reason? They had naturally occurring warmth from external temperatures, while the water from potted plant watered the pumpkins too.